"Did you hear about the news, Barb?"

"What news?"

"Wayne. Bruce Wayne is back in Gotham."

I shrugged. "Great. Now, Falcone has another rich man to bribe."

"I heard he's a changed man. We'll have to see, though, won't we?"

"Sure, Dad. He's been gone for several years and now he can just waltz back here with money to burn. He doesn't have to start over like most people."

Dad put his coffee mug down and hurried through the kitchen. "I'll be working late tonight. They'll be hosting a big party at Wayne Tower to honor his return. Half the police force has been invited."

I raised an eyebrow as I placed his mug into the sink to wash. "I didn't know he was friends with so many cops."

"He isn't, but with a guy this famous back from the dead, people thought he'd need the protection."

"Convenient. Are you invited?" I asked, turning the sink faucet on.

"Like I said, I work late tonight. I, uh, was hoping you could go for me."

I chuckled. "Homework."

"Come on, Babs. For me? It would be a dishonor if someone bearing my name didn't go."

He shrugged his coat on and I sighed. "I'll think about it."

"That's a girl," he said, kissing my cheek and hurrying out.

I finished the dishes and wiped my hands dry with a towel. Bruce Wayne was back in town. I could practically imagine the headlines and piles of newspapers being printed about it. Sighing, I shook my head and took out my phone. I texted my father and shook my head.

"Wayne Tower, it is."

My closet didn't hold too many dresses. I managed to find a red one. Simple but fit for the occasion. I drove to Wayne Tower early to get a good parking spot. Unfortunately, about 50 people had the same idea. I sighed and groaned aloud. When I finally got a spot, I walked into the tower and my heels clicked on the marble floor. People were already eating and drinking. They talked aloud and a few stared at me as I walked in. grabbed myself a glass and filled it with water and ice.

I stood alone as I drank it and sighed. Suddenly, people started crowding by the front entrance. I lowered my eyes and grinned. "Well, well."

The man himself had arrived. His hair was dark and filled with gel. What a joke. His suit looked expensive. Westwood, my guess. He smiled as cameras went off and people talked all at once. I turned my back and swallowed the water I had held in my mouth. It had quieted down after a few minutes, thankfully.

I shoved a small sandwich in my mouth and grabbed my glass. With a quick turn, my hand knocked into someone and spilled the water onto them. With a small gasp, Bruce Wayne narrowed his eyes and chuckled. He had a sharp jawline and a handsome smile, I couldn't deny. His chin, unforgettable and his so-called charm was unbearable.

"Good aim there," he mumbled.

I widened my eyes. "Sorry! I thought you were-"

"It's okay. It's just water. Don't think we've ever met? You're a bit young for me to have met years back. Were you invited by someone?"

"Actually, I'm here to take Jim Gordon's place. I'm Barbara Gordon," I said, holding out my hand to shake his.

He raised his eyebrows and scanned me form head to toe. "Gordon? Oh, hi. Good to meet you. How come he couldn't make it? Busy with the kids?"

"Working late in the office. Flacone's thugs were spotted near the Narrows, but it'll probably lead to nothing."

He narrowed his eyes and gave a slight nod. "Sorry to hear that."

I shrugged. "Someone has to keep what your parents stood for alive."

Blinking, he chuckled nervously. "They do, indeed. When I get back into business, I'll make sure to keep that in mind."

"Be sure that you do. I'd hate to see this city turn into the filth that it's starting to become."

He stared at me for a bit but I regretted nothing. I meant what I said. He cleared his throat and nodded.

"Well, it was an honor to meet Gordon's wife. Send him my best wishes."

I grimaced. "I'm his daughter."

With a pause, he raised his eyebrows. "Oh, really? My apologies, I could've sworn you-"

"It's okay. I get that quite often. Dad says I look so much like her, but I strive to be like him. Well, it was nice meeting you, Mr. Wayne."

I turned away until he spoke up again. "Bruce. Only people in my business call me Mr. Wayne. You can call me Bruce."

I nearly gagged. "It was nice meeting you, Mr. Wayne."

His stare. I could feel it behind my head. He watched me go through the crowd and towards a small fountain in the building. I sat by it and finished the water in my hand. A few minutes passed and I felt as if I had stayed long enough.

Almost a week after the party, I found myself in bed. I was on my phone, looking through the news. Falcone was flooding the streets more and more and nothing to be getting done. With a sigh, I got up out of bed and stared at the carpet floor. Dad was out working late again and I was home alone. The door opened downstairs and I hurried to see who it was. Dad came through the door our of breath.

"Daddy? You okay? What happened?"

I rushed to his side as he shook his head. "Nothing, honey. Just some crazy guy. Came into my office and...it was dark..."

"A man? What did he want? Are you okay?" I asked, repeatedly.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. He just wanted to know what it would take to bring Flacone down."

I raised my eyebrows. "What? Who was it?"

He shook his head. "Couldn't say. He stood behind me and the room was dark. He wore black and had a mask. He's gone now. Probably just some idiot, thinking he could take the law into his own hands. I'm fine, Babs, okay?"

"Just...get to bed. I'll heat up your dinner, alright?"

With a nod, he went upstairs as I entered the kitchen. I folded my arms and narrowed my eyes. Who could want to bring Falcone down? Why did they specifically ask my father for information. He was a good cop, I knew. But, who else could know that and trust him enough? I shook my head and decided if anyone was going to bring Flacone down, I was going to have my input.

When I gave Dad his dinner, I hurried to my room and opened my laptop. I'm good with computers. Not to brag, of course. You wouldn't believe me if I told you in person. I mean, who would? A junior in college couldn't be that good, especially a girl who won lots of medals in gymnastics. There I go again. Bragging.

The news confirmed what Dad told me. A man dressed in black, roaming the streets and getting information on Flacone. I couldn't hold back a grin. Sounded interesting, this character. I had to learn more. Typing quickly, I did my digging. The next few days, I searched through Dad's bedroom and found files on Flacone and his shipments.

One was going to take place that night, and I had an appointment to be there. With dark jeans and a hoodie, I packed my laptop in my backpack and hurried to the docks that night. I was scared, but I had to see exactly what was going on down there. Men were carrying huge boxes, not with rugs, but with toys. Stuffed animals to be exact.

"Clever douches," I whispered.

The drugs had to be inside. But, why disguise them in such a way? To avoid suspicion, yes. But, Falcone knew hiding his drugs wasn't a necessity. No one got in his way. Not even cops. He was books in with the right people, Dad used to tell me.

I took out a camera and took several photographs. I shoved it into my backpack and jumped when I heard a loud scream and a thud. Gunshots made me crouch down to hide. What was going on? I had to get closer. Quietly, I crouched around and tried to get a better look. I heard several grunts and screams as I got closer to the crates and such.

Men were being tossed everywhere, bruised and bleeding. I grimaced as I saw a dark figure moving ahead. My jaw dropped and my eyes widened. Is that...a bat...a man?

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A/N: If it seems rushed, I apologize. I won't be getting my hands on a computer for a while so I wanted to get this story out there. I'll be updating faithfully, but things can get complicated. Anyway, hope you like it. GO BATMAN!